The Jhana of Infinite Consciousness

The Jhana of Infinite Consciousness is the second of the four formless absorptions. Having passed beyond the perception of infinite space, attention shifts inward to the boundless nature of awareness itself — an immense, undivided field of knowing.

In this state, the meditator experiences consciousness as limitless, without boundaries or centre. There is no longer an object in the conventional sense; the mind turns back upon itself, recognising pure awareness as its field of experience.

Unlike ordinary self-reflection, which quickly becomes entangled with thought and identity, the Jhana of Infinite Consciousness is utterly still and free of conceptual elaboration. There is simply the bare knowing of knowing, sustained without distraction.

Entering this state requires complete letting go of the perception of spatial reference. Even the sense of location dissolves, as consciousness no longer appears to be ‘inside’ or ‘outside’ but simply all-encompassing.

While profound and subtle, this jhana remains a conditioned state. The Buddha emphasised that attachment even to these refined experiences leads to further becoming. The formless realms may provide temporary escape from suffering, but not its cessation. They serve best as training grounds for the development of equanimity and insight into the impermanent, non-self nature of all experience.

Ultimately, insight into emptiness penetrates even this vast awareness, revealing that even consciousness, however subtle, is dependently arisen and empty of inherent existence.

“Infinite space gives way to infinite consciousness; but consciousness, too, is not the final refuge.”
— Buddhist Teaching